During periods of extreme high temperatures, Wake County’s public buildings serve as cooling stations where everyone can cool off in the air conditioning.
Helpful information about cooling station locations, hours and rules can be found below.
List of Locations and Hours
Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
- Wake County Health & Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
- Departure Regional Center, 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh
- Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
- Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
- Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
- Western Health & Human Services Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary
Wake County Public Libraries
Open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m. unless otherwise noted
- Athens Drive Community Library, 1420 Athens Drive, Raleigh
- Monday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m.
- Friday, 4–6 p.m.
- Cary Regional Library, 315 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary
- Duraleigh Road Community Library, 5800 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh
- East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale
- Eva Perry Regional Library, 2100 Shepherd’s Vineyard Drive, Apex
- Express Library Fayetteville Street, 336 Fayetteville St., Raleigh
- Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Fuquay-Varina Community Library, 271 Bramblehill Drive, Fuquay-Varina
- Green Road Community Library, 4101 Green Road, Raleigh
- Holly Springs Community Library, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs
- Leesville Community Library, 5015 Country Trail, Raleigh
- Middle Creek Community Library, 111 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex
- Morrisville Community Library, 310 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville
- North Regional Library, 7009 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh
- Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Lane, Raleigh
- Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh
- Olivia Raney Local History Library, 4016 Carya Drive, Raleigh
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Richard B. Harrison Community Library, 1313 New Bern Ave., Raleigh
- Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Ave., Garner
- Southgate Community Library, 1601-14 Cross Link Road, Raleigh
- Wake Forest Community Library, 400 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
- Wendell Community Library, 207 S. Hollybrook Road, Wendell
- West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary
- Currently closed for renovation
- Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out when cooling stations open?
- The best way to get updates on cooling stations is to follow Wake County’s social media pages:
- You can also keep an eye on reports from local news stations and look out for the cooling station signs in front of our buildings.
- Keep in mind, public libraries, regional centers and Health and Human Services buildings are still open to public visitors even when they are not acting as cooling stations.
Is food and water provided at cooling stations?
Food and water are not provided. Most buildings are equipped with water fountains and water bottle filling stations.
How can I get to cooling stations if I don’t have my own transportation?
Many Wake County buildings are located near public transportation routes. Contact your local public transit authority for information about bus routes and shuttles.
Can I bring my pet or service animal with me to the cooling station?
Service animals are welcome in the buildings; however, pets are not permitted in Wake County Public Libraries, regional centers or Health and Human Services buildings for the safety of all visitors.
How long can I stay at the cooling station?
You are welcome to stay as long as you like during opening hours.
What can I bring with me into the cooling stations?
- You may bring personal belongings such as backpacks and totes with you into the buildings. Wake County Public Libraries also have computers, desks and power outlets in case you need to bring some work with you or charge your devices.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Wake County buildings. Possession of a firearm is also prohibited in County facilities. Smoking, use of Tobacco Products, and use of Vapor Products are also not allowed.
- You can also review the full list of rules and expectations in Wake County Public Libraries.
How can I stay cool if I can’t make it to a cooling station?
- Try to visit other air-conditioned spaces such as nearby grocery stores, shopping malls or movie theaters.
- You should dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day if possible. If you must work outside, take breaks and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.